R.S.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1921, Page 3

R.S.A.

STORM IN EXECUTIVE. lav TKLEG It A Pll PER PRESS ASSOCIATION WELLINGTON, Feh. 21 A warm discussion took place at last night’s meeting of the executive of the N.Z. Returned Soldiers’ Association, as a result of which, E. F. Andrews, one of Auckland delegates, tendered his resignation owing to what lie termed “breach of faith” on the part of the Committee towards disabled soldiers. Mr Andrews moved to the effect that the executive was of opinion that the pension, campaign decided upon at the last executive meeting be proceeded witfi forthwith, as the Association 'was in honour bound to safeguard the interest of disabled men.

Mr R. B. Bell (Wellington, moved I as an amendment, that the campaign i would not he launched before two j months before the opening of Parliaj ment for ordinary business, j Air F. G. Smith seconded the motion. Mr Anderson said they had tailed in their duty to disabled men. They had laid down a definite policy and had not done all that could fie done to carry it into effect. He considered the executive hafl been weighed in the balance and found wanting by the disabled men. He propresised if the amendment were carried that meetings of men won at be held throughout the Dominion and the men would appeal to Government to carry out the campaign. The amendment was carried by ejght to four, -Messrs Andrews and Long asking that their negative votes he recorded. Mr Andrews then intimated his resignation and said it was his intention to get into communication with disabled men and organist- fo- the drawing up of a petition to Government. Mr Smith remarked that he appreciated the candour of Messrs Andrews and Long in the position they had taken up. He moved that as Messrs Andrews and Long intend to announce publicly that disabled men have nothing to hope for from the action which the N.Z.R.S.R. is taking to obtain an increase of pensions, tbe executive regretfully indicates to Messrs Andrews and Long that they should forthwith resign from the Executive. Mr Bell seconded. Mr Harper stated the reason the campaign had been bold up was that the pensions subcommittee was in doubt as to the interpretation of the conference remits to he laid before Government, lie said it was only now they could confidently draw up a petition. Mr Andrews maintained the remit drawn up at the previous conference had plainly stipulated ail increase in tbe pension allowance of 75 per cent. A motion was passed urging Mr Andrews to reconsider his decision. Mr Long bad retired in the course of the discussion and did not again appear at that session.

CONCLUSION OF SITTING. WELLINGTON, Feb 21

The quarterly meeting of the Executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers Association concluded its sittings, jt resolved on Mr Bell’s motion, that it !u> an instruction to the executive to the standing sub-committee and to the general Secretary, to arrange that all future meetings of the Dominion executive be reported by a journalist to be engaged to supply reports. It was also decided that instructions be given to the executive standing committee to have a proper index of resolutions passed by the Dominion Conference, standing sub-committees and district committees prepared at the earliest possible moment.

Hr Aldrich’s report oil patriotic funds dealt with the matter in detail and was adopted after discussion. Mr Aldrich said the Minister of Internal Affairs had said lie would bring down a universal scheme for the disbursement of patriotic- funds.